Midland County Disabled American Veterans 94 member, Ken Cummins, of Sanford, throws a wreath off the Upper Bridge on Curry Parkway into the Tittabawassee River Monday, with Pete Hopkins, behind, of Midland, during a ceremony to honor those in all branches of service that lost their lives in water.

Instead of camping and barbecuing like he did on Memorial Days in the past, this year, Michael Penney walked down Main Street. He wasn't in Midland's annual parade, but wearing his Marine Corps uniform, he drew smiles from strangers, handshakes and hellos.

The 18-year-old, a 2004 Midland High graduate, along with Benjamin Dittenbir, also 18, was able to make it home to Midland from his California base for a four-day holiday weekend.

Dittenbir, who signed up for the Marines after graduating in 2004 from Calvary Baptist Academy, agrees that his recognition of the start-of-summer holiday is different for him this year then it has been in the past.

"It has more honor," he said.

Penney said he is remembering the six friends he's lost so far in the war.

The two are finishing their training and in about three months, they too will be leaving for Iraq - Penney in the infantry and Dittenbir with a communications team. As the parade of veterans who served in wars before them passed, they stopped and stood closer to the street in silence and thought.

Daily News/KEITH KING

A wreath to commemorate those, in all branches of service, who died in the water during war floats down the river.

Thousands of supporters lined Main and Rodd streets for the cavalcade of vets, antique tractors and high school marching bands.

"It is a little more meaningful with our guys getting killed over there," said Craig Lobsinger, who along with wife, Sue, came to see their daughter come through playing the clarinet in Midland High's band. "It brings it closer to reality."

Before the festivities began, Midland officials and veterans groups met at the Midland County Courthouse to place wreaths near the war memorial. White crosses placed in front list the names of local soldiers lost, including Spc. Richard Goward, who was killed in April 2003.

Goward is one of 52 Michigan soldiers who have died since the conflict in the Middle East began.

"Memorial Day reminds us to consider freedom's cost and to be grateful to those who, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, 'gave the last full measure of devotion,'" said State Rep. John Moolenaar, who spoke at the pre-parade memorial.

The holiday has a personal and special meaning for him and his wife this year, he said. Their son, Ben Bolen, is serving as an Army Cavalry Scout in Baghdad.

"Amy and I now have a much deeper understanding of the sacrifice made by families who have someone serving," Moolenaar said. "We tear up at the sight of a flag at half mast, mourn when we hear the story of a loved one lost. We are also very encouraged when we spot a car with a 'support our troops' ribbon on it."

Connie and Conrad Latuszek came to the parade to their offer support to the troops. "It's so hard for these young families," said Conrad Latuszek, who served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. "We need to support these people, even though we might not agree."

Penney and Dittenbir said support from people has been strong. "It's so nice," Penney said. "When we're at the airport, people stop and hug us."

The two were well aware that they were likely to go overseas for duty when they enlisted in the Marines, and they look forward to the service.

"It's my job," Penney said. "You train for it every day. If you never get to go to war, you never get to do your job."